The gloom only seems to lift from the Tampa Bay Lightning’s cloudy season in small drizzles.
Sure, they’re on a three-game winning streak, but the Washington Capitals seem to be on the verge of ending that with a thud (they’re currently up 3-0 going into the third period).
Update: Washington managed a 4-2 win, giving the Capitals a four-game winning streak.
#TBLightning seemed embarrassed after this one. "We laid an egg," Boyle said. "Crappy effort," Stamkos said. Need a response tomm
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) November 28, 2015
That’s the least of the Bolts’ concerns right now, really, as Tyler Johnson left Friday’s game seemingly injured.
The word seemingly comes into play because details are scarce, as reporters note.
No reason given for Johnson not returning tonight, would classify it under the "undisclosed" injury category #tblightning
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) November 27, 2015
Tyler Johnson will not return tonight, no reason given
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) November 27, 2015
/ominous music plays
If you look at Tampa Bay’s upcoming schedule, things could get downright stormy.
They face the Islanders at home, but they do so tomorrow so they won’t be well-rested. It gets worse from there.
Dec. 2 - 6: Three-game road trip against the California teams
Dec. 10 - 12: Two home games (one vs. Ottawa, one vs. Washington)
Dec. 14-18: Another three-game road trip
Long story short, they close up a back-to-back set at home tomorrow and then play six of eight on the road.
/even more ominous music
The end of 2015 looks friendlier, but for a team that seems to be cratering here and there ... things look a bit morbid.
We’ll see if they can keep fighting, perhaps with a comeback tonight?